Founding Teacher - Toddler Program (Berkeley, CA)

Fiore Montessori; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid sick leave

Paid Time Off

Health Insurance Stipend

Professional Development Budget

Reimbursements for Supplies

Job summary

Fiore Montessori in Berkeley seeks a warm, experienced early childhood educator to design and implement a home-based program for two 2-year-olds. The Founding Teacher will collaborate with the family to create an intentional, developmentally grounded educational layer.

You will observe, plan, and rotate experiences (sensory, art, music, outdoor exploration) while integrating daily routines to foster autonomy and learning, with a focus on project-based, child-centered growth.

Qualifications

• Background in Early Childhood Education (degree, active coursework, or equivalent hands-on experience).
• CPR/First Aid certified.
• References and background check required.
• Bonus: AI fluency (or open to learning) to leverage tools for documentation, inspiration, and planning.
• Bonus: Mandarin language skills are a plus, though not required.

Responsibilities

• Observe individually and track distinct developmental threads for each child.
• Bring a plan by developing 2-3 age-appropriate learning and play experiences.
• Provoke the environment by rotating materials to spark curiosity and support independent play.
• Integrate routines as learning to cultivate autonomy, collaboration, and learning.
• Collaborate with parents and document progress with photos or notes.

Skills

Educator identity

Developmental milestones

Planning & materials

Adaptability to multiples

Outdoor exploration

Education

Early Childhood Education background

CPR/First Aid certified

Job description

We are seeking a warm, experienced, and highly intentional early childhood educator to work with three to four toddlers (2yo) in our Berkeley home. This is a unique opportunity for a passionate professional to serve as a Founding Teacher, collaborating directly with our family to design, implement, and build a personalized, home-based early childhood program from the ground up.

If you are passionate about child agency, love the adventure of toddlerhood, and want to build a deep, meaningful, long-term relationship with curious kiddos, we would love to hear from you!

About the Role & Our Philosophy

Our kids have recently turned two and live in a warm, intergenerational, English/Chinese speaking household. They get plenty of love, outdoor adventure, and free play. In this role, you will bring an intentional, developmentally grounded educational layer to their days.

We care deeply about growing child agency. Our ideal educator is someone who wants to develop this educational approach alongside us, rather than being stuck on "what has worked" in past experience. We value project-based learning and are inspired by Reggio- and Montessori-leaning philosophies, though we are not dogmatic.

Your primary focus is educational program development, distinct from basic caregiving:

• Observe Individually: Track distinct developmental threads for each child. Notice what is emerging (a specific interest, a new skill, or a point of frustration) and build on it.
• Bring a Plan: Develop 2-3 age-appropriate learning and play experiences (sensory play, creative art, music, outdoor exploration, early literacy/numeracy) tailored to their interests and milestones.
• Provoke the Environment: Set up and rotate materials and equipment in our home to spark curiosity, support independent play, and introduce fresh learning concepts.
• Integrate Routines as Learning: Use daily rhythms, such as meals, self-help skills, and transition times, as opportunities to cultivate autonomy, collaboration, and learning.
• Collaborate & Document: Document the kids' development with photos, notes, or a developmental journal. Share these insights with parents to paint a continuous picture of their growth and co-create next steps.

What We Are Looking For

• Educator Identity: You see yourself fundamentally as a teacher, not just a caregiver. You light up explaining why you choose a specific activity, not just what the children did.
• Developmental Fluency: You have a solid grounding in early childhood milestones (especially for 2-year-olds) and have the pedagogical vocabulary to scaffold emerging skills.
• Planning Temperament: You find deep satisfaction in designing a rhythm for the week, preparing materials, and documenting child progress.
• Adaptability with Multiples: You can hold the truth that individuals will be at slightly different stages, rather than treating them as a single unit.
• Keeping the Adventure: You maintain warmth, joy, and a spirit of outdoor exploration. You know how to keep the "magic" of childhood alive without making learning feel overly formal or "schooly."
• Aspiration & Longevity: You want to stay with a family long-term, helping to expand and shape this program as the kids grow

Other Requirements:

• Background in Early Childhood Education (degree, active coursework, or equivalent hands-on experience).
• CPR/First Aid certified
• References and background check required.
• Bonus: AI fluency (or open to learning) to leverage tools for documentation, inspiration, and planning.
• Bonus: Mandarin language skills are a plus, though not required.

Schedule, Compensation, & Growth

• Schedule: Full time, weekdays, in person in Berkeley (40 hours per week)
• Compensation: $70,000 - $100,000 depending on experience
• Benefits: Paid sick leave, Paid Time Off, Health Insurance Stipend, Professional Development Budget, Reimbursements for Supplies
• Growth Pathway: This position offers high professional autonomy and the opportunity to grow this program alongside this cohort of children.

To Apply

Please reach out with your resume, availability, and a short note about yourself. Tell us about your background with young children, your educational philosophy, and what a great day with two-year-olds looks like to you.